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Years of public service resulted in the country's highest civilian honour today for the well-known former mayor of Timmins, Victor M. Power.

As first announced last December, Power was today made a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his dedication to public life. The event was held at 10:00 a.m. at Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada.

At 10:43 a.m. Power's named was called out. Power walked to the front of the room and stood quietly as his tribute was read aloud. He then turned, gave a modest bow toward the governor-general and shook her hand. She then pinned the Order of Canada decoration onto Power left lapel. Power, smiled, posed for the official photograph, shook hands again and went to sign the official register. The entire interaction took less than 90 seconds.

The following narrative was read as Power received the medal:

"Victor Power has steadily served his community and the greater region of Northern Ontario for more than 40 years. As the longest-serving mayor of Timmins, he spearheaded several successful initiatives to create new economic opportunities, including revitalizing the downtown core and founding the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. A vocal and active leader working on behalf of all Northern Ontarians, he served as president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, and as chairman of the Northeastern Ontario Mayors Action Group. He has also given generously of his time to several community organizations, including the Timmins District Hospital Foundation."

At ten oclock this morning, Timmins residents watching the Governor General's Internet website will be able to tune into the investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where Timmins Mayor Vic Power will receive the Order of Canada, at www.gg.ca .

To watch live, go to: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=13351

Power is among a long list of well-known Canadians who will be honoured today. Among them are golfer Mike Weir and broadcaster Peter Mansbridge.

Power is being honoured for his long time public service to the citizens of Timmins and Northeastern Ontario in his role as a municipal leader.

Power was elected the sixteenth Mayor of Timmins in November 1980 after having served twelve years as an alderman. He became the longest serving Mayor in the history of the City of Timmins. He served twenty years as Mayor, of what is, at twelve hundred and twenty-four square miles, Ontario's second largest municipality. Highlights of his career as Mayor included the downtown revitalization program, the expansion of infrastructure throughout the City, the founding of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, the planning for the TeleTech Call Centre project and the Shania Twain Centre, as well as the successful completion of the "DEBT FREE" Program.

Power served for many years as Chairman of the Northeastern Ontario Mayors Action Group which is involved with Transportation, and was, from 1989 to 1992, a Commissioner of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission. He also served as a Vice President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), as well as on numerous Boards and Commissions.

Power is a graduate of the University of Windsor (B.A. Class of 1960), the Faculty of Education at the University of Toronto and was for many years Head of the Guidance Department at Timmins High and Vocational School.In 2001, Mr. Power was awarded membership on the Honour Roll of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.In 2002, he received a Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to the community.Mr. Power retired from the Mayor's Office in November 2000, but came out of retirement and returned to the Mayor's Office on December 4, 2003.

Other honours over the years have included:

-May 2006 – Recipient of Municipal Long Service Medal from the Province of Ontario – 32 years of service.

-September 2006 – Recipient of the Chamber of Commerce "Presidents Award" for his dedication and determination in creating economic opportunity in the City of Timmins.

He retired from the Office of Mayor in 2006. In 2007, the City of Timmins renamed the Airport as the "TIMMINS VICTOR M. POWER AIRPORT".

In November of 2007, Mr. Power was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Timmins Porcupine.

In December 2008, the dedication of Victor M. Power to Municipal Government received national recognition with the announcement that he was one of 42 Canadians to be named to the Order of Canada by Her Excellency Governor General Michaëlle Jean

A life long resident of Timmins, Mr. Power and his wife Clarice have one son, Dr. Kevin Power of Ottawa.

http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2162622